The aerial is an advanced surf maneuver that was influences by skateboard in the late 70s where the surfer gains speed and uses the wave as a ramp to project himself/herself in the air and land on a latter section of the wave. For security and feasibility issues, aerials ate almost always performend in waves under two meters (or six feet).

There are several types of aerials as it is one of surf’s chapters with greater innovation. Mostly like "big wave surfing", "aerial surfing" has become a kind of specific branch of surfing in the mid-90s. By that time on there have been an increasing number experts in such maneuvers as well as exclusive competitions for this specific branch of surfing.

According to Surfertoday.com, here is a series of 10 steps to to master the basics of your aerial (for beginners):

1. Take off in a steep two-to-three foot wave.

2. Pump for speed and target a closing section or a breaking wave lip.

3. Maintain a straight oblique surf line towards the selected launch pad.

4. Widen your stance, kick the tail with your feet and about 66% of your weight, let the surfboard leave the lip and raise your knees so that your feet are level with your chest.

5. Control the excessive weight of your back foot with a slight push of the front foot over the board.

6. As your surfboard takes to the air, smoothly drive it to the landing site.

7. Grab a rail to correct the trajectory, if needed.

8. Turn your eyes, head and body to the flats.

9. Stay low, and bend your knees and torso to prepare for landing impact.

10. Distribute your weight over both feet and finish the move.